HOME PROFILE: The layout is the key for Rockport home

Friday

Oct 6, 2017 at 6:59 AM

With this contemporary styled home it’s definitely not all about the outside, but it could be. First this home is in a beautiful setting among colorful perennial gardens and well-established plantings. That it looks good from the outside — barn board siding adds an interesting visual dimension to its sleek lines — is another factor.

By Barbara Forster / GateHouse Media

ADDRESS: 174R Granite St., Rockport

BEDROOMS: 3

BATHROOMS: 2 full

LIVING SPACE: 1,828 sq. ft.

PRICE: $599,000

With this contemporary styled home it’s definitely not all about the outside, but it could be. First this home is in a beautiful setting among colorful perennial gardens and well-established plantings. That it looks good from the outside — barn board siding adds an interesting visual dimension to its sleek lines — is another factor.

Even better is that this custom built home just as much on the inside because it takes advantage of the great outdoors.

The reason is an indoor/outdoor space that works 24-7. Running almost the width of the house, a spacious all-season room is filled with light all year long. The reason: a greenhouse-like glass roof and walls that provide stunning views of the landscaped outdoor space. Tile flooring enhances its passive solar capacities, too. Full glass pane sliders topped by a long row of big transom windows — the better to see out from inside — lead to the main living areas and, they are quite the treat.

What is fascinating about this 30-year-old home is that the floor plan meshes well with today’s open-concept preferences, albeit in a delightful way. First, there is a fully open floor plan. While all three living spaces have clear sight lines, each has its own discreet area. The kitchen and dining room share a single level (sans walls) overlooking the sizable living room. Five stairs (via a split staircase) separate the three spaces.

An efficient kitchen

The kitchen exemplifies efficiency in several ways. First, the work triangle fits comfortably within its U-shaped design. The custom-built pantry cupboard with swing out shelving demonstrates how to maximize storage on a small footprint. Of course, that is in addition to cupboards above and below a goodly amount of counter space. Two skylights keep this room awash in natural light all year long.

Although fully open to the living room below — so to speak — its higher elevation affords the chef a certain amount of privacy such while preparing meals, snacks, hors d’oeuvres, etc., or hiding any of the resulting clutter. The bonus is that the chef is not isolated and is part of all the action.

For example, the dining area that seats six, eight or more comfortably is open to the kitchen. A skylight in the vaulted ceiling allows is an abundance of natural light.

As part of the thoughtful floor plan, an oversized good-morning step leads directly down — it’s only a couple steps — to the living room, which is the width of the kitchen-dining room. This big space is filled with fine finishing details like hand-crafted double and triple crown molding with deep dentil trim.

One side of the split mini staircase leads to kitchen-dining room; the other to guest quarters. A separate entrance (complete with a roomy foyer that has a parquet tile floor) makes for ultimate privacy for guests and homeowners. A double closet provides additional storage.

A wonderful bow window is one highlight in the large bedroom that also has a double closet. The full bathroom features a tub/shower combination with a full tile enclosure.

The master wing, which is on the other side of the kitchen — everyone has their own space in this home — includes a king-bed size sleeping chamber with a large bow window area.

In addition to a bedroom, the master’s quarters include an office/den that overlooks the surrounding woodlands and an appealing stone wall. Another large three-window bow area with a wide ledge allows in loads of natural light, too. The double closet addresses storage needs.

A large space, the master bathroom has a really big step-in shower and its own linen closet. From here a full glass pane door leads to a laundry room that is easily transformed into exercise space. In fact, the entire "wing" can be reconfigured — and what a fun project that could be. Expand the bathroom and/or create a walk-in closet/dressing room while incorporating a yoga/gym. The choices are endless.

One more perk: the wing has a full glass slider to a deck with an awning. Now, that’s nice.

Speaking of nice, so is the location. While the setting is woodsy, the Atlantic Path is nearby, the property backs up to Dogtown and town is about 1.5 miles away. Oh, there is sidewalk all the way.

Not done yet

A basement that is the footprint of the house has a huge partially finished area with plumbing that runs front to back and has a private entrance to the yard. As this has great natural light and good ceiling height, making this a studio is one option. On the other hand, this would also work as additional guest quarters.

Keep in mind, the amount of remaining room for storage is substantial. Yes, the basement is that big.

Contact Jane Meterparel or Brian Marvelley of Lux Realty North Shore at 781-237-3341 or 978-390-7146 or by email: jane@luxrns.com or brian@luxrns.com.